Disabled Parking Permits

Legislation aimed at curbing abuse of disabled parking privileges went into effect June 11, 1998. The law changes the way the Department of Licensing (DOL) and its business partners issue permanent disabled parking placards.

Where do I go to get a disabled parking placard and plate?

Permanent (blue) and Temporary (red) parking placards are available only at any Vehicle Licensing Offices. The law requires that an individual receive a non-photo Identification Card which will be mailed from Olympia.

Plates are available at Vehicle Licensing Offices.

To obtain a disabled parking privilege, a doctor's certification is required.

Why Identification Cards?

The Identification Card will provide enhanced identification for the law enforcement community, which in turn should assist the disabled community in obtaining more parking space availability. The Identification Card will include the name, date of birth, and placard number issued to the individual.

Why were the Changes made by the Legislature?

The legislation is aimed at curbing abuse of disabled parking privileges.

Where can I get a temporary placard?

Temporary placards are available at the Vehicle Licensing Offices. A physician's certification is required to receive a temporary placard. Temporary placards can be valid for a maximum of six months, depending on a physician's statement on the application.

Where can I get an application form?

Applications are available at any Driver Licensing-Licensing Service Offices or Vehicle Licensing Office.

How often does the privilege need to be renewed?

The privilege must be renewed every five (5) years. Disabled person license plates must be renewed annually, as with any other vehicle registration, in order to remain valid. The privilege, however, must be renewed only once every five (5) years. Permanent placards need to be renewed every five (5) years.

What does it take to renew?

A renewal notice will be sent to the person with the Disabled Parking Permit. It needs to be signed by the Disabled Parking Permit holder and returned to a licensing office. Renewals can also be done by mail.

What is the difference between parking privilege, license plate and/or placards?

The parking privilege is granted by the Department of Licensing when an applicant meets the qualifying criteria noted by a physician's certification. The license plates and placards are issued as an identifier to law enforcement, parking enforcement, private business, or anyone who needs to know that a person has the right to park a vehicle in a disabled person parking area.

What if I do not want a placard and only a vehicle plate?

You can make application at the Vehicle Licensing Office. An Identification Card is still required if a special plate is the only request and no permanent placards are requested.

Can I get both a special plate and placard?

You can obtain two permanent placards, or one permanent placard and one set of disabled person license plates. You are only allowed two (2) privileges.

What is the penalty for a physician for providing false information on an application for the disabled parking privilege?

Knowingly providing false information in conjunction with the application is a gross misdemeanor. The penalty for a gross misdemeanor is up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 or both.

What is the penalty for individual abuse of the disabled parking privilege?

Any unauthorized use of the disabled parking placard, plate, or photo identification card is a traffic infraction with a $250 penalty. It also is a $250 parking infraction to make inaccessible the access aisle located next to a space reserved for physically handicapped persons.

Are there limits placed on the time a person can park with the disabled parking privileges?

Yes. A local jurisdiction providing nonmetered, on-street parking places for the physically disabled persons may impose time restrictions of no less than four (4) hours on the use of the spaces. Local jurisdictions may also impose time restrictions of no less than four (4) hours on the use of nonreserved on-street disabled parking spaces.